Upcountry History Museum exhibit to showcase extraordinary bravery and service of K9 military heroes

“War Dogs: K9 Military Heroes” delivers a powerful display of the heroism, service, and history of America’s military working dogs in the newest exhibition opening Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the Upcountry History Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate, and running through Sunday, February 21, 2026.

Since the American Revolution, military working dogs have served all branches of the United States Armed Forces. This unique exhibition not only highlights the significant involvement of these canine warriors in the military but honors the important role they and their handlers play in serving and protecting countless lives in conflicts across the globe.

Featuring life-sized, hand-carved wooden sculptures designed and created by Ohio Master Craftsman James Mellick, “War Dogs: K9 Military Heroes” offers a poignant look at stories of perseverance, bravery, and sacrifice through eight Wounded Warrior and two Canine War Dog sculptures. These distinctively creative tributes provide a vivid visual that captures the emotional dynamics of the incredible tandem of human and canine warriors in service – and sacrifice – for their country. One in particular is the story of Lucca, a Marine Corps war dog. She conducted more than 400 missions during two deployments to Iraq and one to Afghanistan. On one mission, however, Lucca lost her leg and suffered severe burns, but there were never any human casualties under her watch.

“I am moved by the physical and emotional sacrifice by the men and women of the United States military,” said Mellick. “I want to pay tribute to the soldiers who served with great sacrifice by creating the sculptural allegory of wounded warrior dogs who were the soldier’s best friend and companion in battle.”

This extraordinary exhibition also showcases a collection of objects and combat art on loan from the National Museum of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Coast Guard, as well as from private collections, all of which help round out a more complete presentation of these dogs and their handlers at work around the globe during World War II, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

The Upcountry History Museum is located at 540 Buncombe St., in Greenville, S.C. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. For more information, call 864-467-3100 or visit www.upcountryhistory.org.